Why Do a Project?
Why Do a Project?
By Jason Rich, Northwest University
Simply put, we do projects to achieve a result that we would not be able to get otherwise. Using ongoing operations we can build thousands of iPhone 8’s, but we could never create the iPhone 9. Using ongoing operations we can build all the Boeing 777’s we like but we could never build the 787. In short we use projects to push us forward and meet needs.
Every product that you use on a regular basis, from your toothbrush to the gas in your car is available to you because a project was done to design it, or determine how to get it. Or, in the case of your gas, several projects were done to get it, refine it, and ship it. There were countless more projects done to create the tools that were used in all of those projects. Projects are so ingrained in our culture and lives that it is some times hard to see them. Even in an election there are projects going on all around us. That commercial for the presidential campaign is a project. The fundraiser happening in your town a week from now is a project.
Projects have a way of creating and casting visions for the future and keep us moving in that direction. A pastor of mine once told me that if you are not moving forward then you are moving backward. This is how it is with projects. If your company is not innovating with new projects and working to move forward then they are getting further behind.
Jason Rich was raised in Redmond, Washington. He has worked in facilities management primarily dealing in office furniture installation and office relocation. He got his start in the professional world as a cubical installer at Safeco Insurance and continued to build on his skills as the manager of an install group that was a vendor at Microsoft. Jason has had his hands in many projects and has an interesting ability to see the big picture, even when his role is just a small part of the plan.
Published originally on the Northwest University Project Management blog. Northwest University opened to students on October 1, 1934. It is a regionally accredited institution awarding associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.
Note: Implicit permission was given to republish this post, as the article was not copyrighted.
